A Journey to Easter - Day 3
- Debbra Stephens
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
“So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.”
(Genesis 45:8 NLT)
The long stretch of road from Genesis 37-50 tells of the humbling and exaltation of Joseph. But the narrative preeminently tells the story of God’s sovereignty to accomplish His will and perpetuate His promises.
It is also a story pointing to the Christ.
Israel favors this son of his old age—which puffs Joseph up and creates dissension in the family. Joseph’s boasting about his dreams incites jealousy and rage in his brothers—which lands him in a pit. His humbling has begun. Then he’s loaded on an Ishmaelite slave caravan headed to Egypt.
Things go from bad, to better, to worse. But through all the ups and downs, “God is with Joseph” (as the text reiterates a whopping four times). And despite the plotting and treachery of his enemies, in the end Joseph gained the victory.
Eventually he rises to power, exalted to the right hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Could it be that he is, after all, the Seed, the promised one of God?
Governor Joseph saves his people, and the nations, from an unrelenting famine. Is God not blessing the nations through Abraham’s line (as God’s covenant purposed)?
After 20 years, Joseph sees his brothers, but hides his identity for a time. Eventually, he forgives them (albeit after a prolonged struggle and a series of tests), and the family is reconciled. Joseph brings them down to Egypt and ensures safe settlement for them in Goshen. But then, plot twist, Jacob’s blessing for kings to come is bestowed upon Judah. Not Joseph!
Joseph enters the silent years (from age 56 until his death at 110).
Our hearts can journey through the narrative of Joseph’s life with that of Jesus beating in the background. The similarities are so striking, they make your head spin.
The Beloved Son, Jesus, humbled himself—to become a servant (Philippians 2:7). He was sometimes despised by his own brothers. He, too, was falsely accused and arrested. He forgave those who sinned against Him and overcame His enemies. God exalted Him to His right hand—offering salvation to all who come to Him, the Promised Seed of Abraham. And the famished feast upon the Living Bread from Heaven.
But, most remarkably, God is bringing about the greatest good from evil (Genesis 50:20). From crucifixion to resurrection. And from the greatest betrayal, agony, and injustice multitudes from every nation are saved.
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